KARACHI/PESHAWAR, Pakistan: A total of 683 Pakistani pilgrims have returned to Karachi and Peshawar after the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) launched its post-Hajj operation.
In a statement, a PIA spokesman said that the first Hajj flight of PIA has reached Karachi from Jeddah on Monday and it was carrying 354 pilgrims.
Separately, another Hajj flight carrying 329 pilgrims also arrived in Peshawar from Saudi Arabia on Monday afternoon.
The sources of Hajj Directorate said that a total of 24,386 pilgrims will be airlifted to Peshawar from the holy land by 71 special flights.
This process of airlifting pilgrims from Saudi Arabia to Peshawar will be completed on October 27.
This year, the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia witnessed two unfortunate incidents which claimed lives of nearly 1,000 pilgrims including several Pakistanis.
The first incident occurred on September 11 when a crane fell on Hajj pilgrims in Makkah’s Grand Mosque while the second incident took place on September 24 in Mina where a stampede broke out when the pilgrims were taking part in the stoning of the Satan (devil).
Meanwhile, the Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf has confirmed martyrdom of 36 Pakistani pilgrims in Mina Stampede.
Talking to the state-owned Pakistan Television (PTV) from Saudi Arabia, the minister said that 85 Pakistani pilgrims are still missing. He said that contacts have been made with 217 missing Pakistani pilgrims and efforts are underway to reach the remaining 85 missing pilgrims.
On the other hand, the Religious Ministry has established ‘Haj and Mina’ Tragedy helplines, aimed at providing necessary help and information to the families of missing Pakistani Hajj pilgrims. .
The toll free number 042111725425 has been resend for those calling from Pakistan while those calling from Saudi Arabia can use the toll free number 08001166622.
